Hi Mike, I didn't know whether to reply to you personally or not, but I decided to post to the list since other newcomers to this list may have similar questions. The first address (GENIRE-L-request@rootsweb.com ) is the GenIre mailing list which was created when the Genuki list split into two separate lists. It is supposed to be gatewayed to two separate newsgroups one for Britain and one for Ireland. soc.genealogy.uk+ireland which you mentioned is the old newsgroup. Apparently your newsserver does not have the new newsgroups. Since I subscribe to the GenIre list I am not aware of whether my server is carrying the new groups or not. However, I DO know that my server still does not carry the new surnames newsgroups and they were formed months ago. This list Fianna-L is an Irish list which was formed several months ago when some of us were taking classes at VU an online university. It is open to all Irish researchers not just VU students. In fact some of the original Fianna members are taking an hiatus from VU classes this term. I cannot tell why you are receiving mail with the Genire address on it instead of Fianna unless you inadvertently subscribed to Genire rather than Fianna. Maybe I should send you personal email too since the thought just struck me that you make not be receiving our Fianna mailings. I am hoping some of the other list members can throw some light on this subject. As I said I will send a personal reply to Mike. BBFN Gail in MO oppossum